Vineyard Wine Tasting

Sample estate wines and learn about viticulture on working vineyard farms

About Vineyard Wine Tasting

Many New Zealand farm stays are located on or near working vineyards, offering wine tasting experiences that combine agricultural tourism with premium wine discovery. From Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to Central Otago Pinot Noir, these experiences let you taste wines where the grapes are grown, often with the winemaker themselves explaining the process from vine to bottle.

What to Expect

Vineyard tasting experiences typically include a walk through the vines (seasonal), explanation of grape varieties and growing conditions, and a structured tasting of estate wines. Many vineyard farms offer cheese or local produce pairings. You'll learn about the winemaking process, vintage variations, and what makes New Zealand wine unique. Some properties offer barrel tastings, blending experiences, or harvest participation in season.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes for vineyard walking

Sun protection

Designated driver or transport arranged

Interest in wine (no expertise needed)

Credit card for wine purchases

Safety Guidelines

Drink responsibly
Use spittoons if tasting multiple wines and driving
Arrange safe transport
Stay hydrated between tastings
Don't operate farm machinery after drinking

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know about wine?

No expertise needed - vineyard hosts welcome all levels and explain everything from basics to technical details based on guest interest.

Can I help with harvest?

Some vineyards offer harvest experiences in March-April, including grape picking, processing observation, and new wine tasting. Book well ahead for these popular experiences.